Quick question : Hi hope everyone is ok... - Asthma Community ...

Asthma Community Forum

22,464 members24,854 posts

Quick question

LeiLey profile image
8 Replies

Hi hope everyone is ok. I just have a quick question ohh actually might be two in one.

I’ve been taking Fostair inhaler with spacer for nearly a week now, I think it is helping so far, although it made me shaky the first few times of taking it, and I get a mild tickly throat. I also have ventolin as needed.

1. My evening dose of Fostair isn’t due for an hour (I try to take it about 12 hours apart) but I’ve been dry coughing a little for about an hour so could I take the evening dose now - 2 puffs?

2. Could the start of coughing be a sign that my inhaler is due? (Although I have been coughing starting from about 5/6 pm on an evening for a few weeks) I’m ok though not poorly.

Hope this makes sense 😊

Written by
LeiLey profile image
LeiLey
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
8 Replies
Daisy_FC profile image
Daisy_FC

Coughing/tightness/breathlessness can be a sign you need your ventolin.

Am I right in thinking foster has a long acting bronchodilator in it? My preventer does and when I have been in the middle of a flare I often find symptoms get worse in the evening. For me it is that my chest gets tighter/harder to breathe. I do take the preventer a few hours earlier when this happens as for me it settles everything - so it is ok to do that. But I would mention it to your GP/asthma nurse - do you have a review booked with them? as they need to know how well the treatment is working for you and I would tell them that you are coughing every evening too.

LeiLey profile image
LeiLey in reply toDaisy_FC

Hi, yes the Fostair has a bronchodilator in it, I was on Clenil preventer for 6 weeks but I was still taking the ventolin a few times a week and waking up coughing so the asthma nurse put me on Fostair. So far my shortness of breath and tightness seems to have improved but it started to on Clenil I thought too. Just the coughing to get sorted but it’s not too bad.

My asthma nurse said she would check after 5 weeks on the inhaler, but she said to speak to her sooner if I need to.

Good to know that I can take the inhaler earlier in the evening if needs be, thank you x

Poobah profile image
Poobah

I'm on Fostair now after years on Symbicort. But I don't get to 12 hours between doses without my Ventolin. My dip happens about 4pm so a wee bit too early for my evening dose of Fostair. I tried a 6 month protocol of only relying on the combination inhaler as a reliever, as well as the morning & evening regular maintenance dose, but my asthma just declined steadily. For whatever reason my lungs just don't tolerate too much long acting bronchodilator in the combo inhaler but responds well to the maintenance dose topped up with Ventolin. I know what should happen per the treatment guidelines but sometimes our lungs don't comply, so it comes down to trial and error in order to find the right regime that suits you best. But always keep your asthma nurse in the loop.

LeiLey profile image
LeiLey in reply toPoobah

Hi sounds a lot like trial and error for you too, I hope your current regime helps and you’re ok. Yes I have been told to use either the Fostair as a reliever as well OR the ventolin, nothing set in stone yet, so I’ve just kept to the ventolin for this first week as I know it makes me feel better. Does the Fostair make your throat a bit scratchy at first? Mine does but then after a short while I feel ok, it’s only been a week so will keep persevering with this one and keep the asthma nurse informed, Thank you x

Poobah profile image
Poobah in reply toLeiLey

Yes, if I don't look after my oral hygiene directly after taking my inhalers I really get a sore throat. My voice box seems to have suffered too.

LeiLey profile image
LeiLey in reply toPoobah

Ohh has it bless you. Thank you I will make sure I gargle and use mouthwash etc to do the best I can. The ventolin is fine. Thank you merry Christmas 🎄

ChrissieMons profile image
ChrissieMons

The 12 hour advice is a rough guide - you don't need to be too hung up about it. You might need to check your inhaler technique if your throat is a bit sore. Try the ventolin inhaler first to see if that helps, and drink plenty of water. Happy Christmas!

LeiLey profile image
LeiLey in reply toChrissieMons

Ah thank you some very good tips there, and I definitely need to drink more! That’s good to know about the timings not having to be exactly 12 hours, thank you and merry Christmas to you too 🎄

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Fostair question

Let's see if this works!! I was changed to Fostair a few days ago which i understand is a...

Add on of Atrovent

Hi, Hope everyone is well. I’m having another flare up of my asthma, it has been poorly controlled...
Celie1 profile image

Fostair makes me cough

Hi, I was prescribed Fostair a few months ago, never having had a combination inhaler before. It...

Asthma symptoms whilst taking Fostair

Hi, hope you are all doing ok. I’ve got a question I hope you’ll be able to clear up for me. Just...
Celie1 profile image

Using Fostair 100/6 & Ventolin Advice

I’ve recently been diagnosed as having adult asthma. I’ve had various symptoms over the years...

Moderation team

See all
Homely2 profile image
Homely2Administrator
ALUK_Nurses profile image
ALUK_NursesAdministrator
Lysistrata profile image
LysistrataAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.